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Eau Claire Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
Have you recently been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Eau Claire?
Lein Law is here to help! Our experienced hit-and-run accident attorneys specialize in handling cases just like yours.
We understand the stress and confusion that comes with these incidents and are committed to fighting for your rights. Don’t let the party responsible get away with their actions. With Lein Law personal injury lawyers on your side, you can hold them accountable and seek justice.
Our attorneys will guide you through the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and helping you navigate the complexities of your case.
Contact Lein Law today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards getting the justice and compensation you deserve for your hit-and-run accident in Eau Claire.
Lein Law Offices
Address:
1101 W. Clairemont Ave Suite 1E7, Eau Claire, WI 54701
What Is a Hit-And-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident refers to a situation where a driver involved in a collision fails to stop and provide their contact and insurance information or render aid to the injured parties.
These accidents can occur with both vehicles and pedestrians, and they can have serious consequences for the victims involved.
Hit-and-run accidents often leave victims facing medical expenses, property damage, and emotional trauma, while also having to navigate the legal process to seek justice.
Eau Claire Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents pose a significant challenge in Eau Claire. These incidents involve a driver leaving the scene of an accident without stopping to exchange information or offer assistance to the other party involved.
The consequences of hit-and-run accidents can be severe, especially for the victims who are left dealing with their injuries and damages on their own.
In such cases, it is essential to seek legal assistance. Our experienced personal injury attorney firm in Eau Claire is dedicated to helping accident victims.
We specialize in providing support, guidance, and expert representation to those who have suffered from hit-and-run accidents. Our legal team at Lein Law has extensive experience navigating the legal process and advocating for fair compensation.
Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Eau Claire
One of the main causes of hit-and-run accidents is the presence of uninsured or underinsured drivers, who may flee the scene to avoid the legal and financial consequences that follow.
Impaired driving, such as drunk or drugged driving, contributes significantly to hit-and-run accidents, as intoxicated drivers may panic or fear legal repercussions.
Another common scenario is distracted driving, where drivers engage in activities like texting or talking on their phones instead of focusing on the road.
In some cases, drivers involved in hit-and-run accidents may have outstanding warrants, suspended licenses, or may be involved in criminal activities.
Hit-and-run accidents can also occur due to reckless driving, aggressive behavior, or simply a lack of awareness and responsibility.
Drunk Drivers
It is illegal in Wisconsin for a driver over the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle under the following conditions:
- With a Blood/Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or greater
- While under the influence of an intoxicant
- With a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in his or her blood
- While under the influence of a controlled substance or any other drug.
In terms of legal implications, drunk drivers involved in hit-and-run accidents face severe penalties under Wisconsin law.
For drivers with three or more prior Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) convictions, the limit is lower; they cannot operate a motor vehicle if their BAC is greater than 0.02. [1]
The Eau Claire Police Department and County Sheriff’s Office investigate these incidents and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable. Penalties for drunk driving can include:
- Fines
- Jail time
- License suspension
- Mandatory alcohol education programs
Distracted Drivers
Driving behaviors such as texting, talking on the phone, or engaging with other distractions, pose a serious threat to the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. The allure of smartphones and other distractions can easily lead to accidents, ranging from minor fender-benders to severe collisions causing serious injuries.
In some cases, distracted driving can also contribute to hit-and-run accidents. When drivers are not fully engaged in their surroundings, they may fail to notice their involvement in a collision and choose to flee the scene.
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to seek legal advice from our qualified hit-and-run accident attorneys at Lein Law. They can help you understand your rights and the best way to proceed with your case.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding and reckless driving are common causes of accidents in Eau Claire, posing significant risks to both drivers and pedestrians.
The desire to reach a destination quickly and the risky behavior of certain individuals can have serious consequences.
Excessive speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations, increasing the likelihood of collisions. When drivers engage in speeding or reckless driving, they may be more likely to flee the scene of a collision, fearing the legal repercussions.
Reckless or aggressive driving may include behaviors such as:
- Drag racing
- Running red lights
- Tailgating
- Unsafe passing during icy conditions
- Weaving through traffic
Hit-and-run accidents deprive victims of immediate medical care and create additional challenges in seeking compensation for their injuries.
The consequences for drivers involved in hit-and-run accidents can be severe. Alongside potential criminal charges, they may face:
- Hefty fines
- Imprisonment
- Increased insurance rates
- License suspension
They may be held liable for the victim’s medical expenses, property damage, and other financial losses.
To address the issue of speeding and reckless driving, law enforcement agencies in Eau Claire actively enforce traffic laws and provide public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of these behaviors.
Type of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Eau Claire
Hit-and-run accidents in Wisconsin can take many forms, ranging from common fender benders to more serious collisions. In some cases, the driver who caused the accident may flee the scene and leave the victim with no way of identifying them.
This leaves victims without the means to seek compensation for their damages and injuries. Some of the most common types of hit-and-run accidents in Wisconsin include:
-
Bike Accidents -
Bicycles are smaller than cars, making them more difficult to see on the road. When drivers fail to yield to cyclists or hit them and flee the scene, victims can be left with serious injuries and significant financial losses. Bicycle collisions are often due to driver negligence, such as distracted driving. -
Car Accidents -
Hit-and-run car accidents are all too common in Wisconsin. Whether it’s a fender bender or a more serious collision, drivers who flee the scene can leave victims with serious physical and financial losses. -
Motorcycle Accidents -
Motorcycles are especially vulnerable on the roads, as their smaller size makes them difficult for drivers to see in time. When a driver fails to yield or hits a motorcycle and flees the scene, victims can be left with devastating injuries and significant financial losses. -
Pedestrian Accidents -
Pedestrians are often the victims of hit-and-run accidents, as drivers may not be paying attention and fail to see them in time. If a driver strikes a pedestrian and flees the scene, the victim may be left with serious injuries and financial losses.
Statute of Limitations for a Hit-and-Run Accident in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for filing a claim for a hit-and-run accident is typically three years from the date of the incident. This means that accident victims have a three-year time frame within which they must file a claim in order to seek compensation for their injuries and damages. [2]
There are exceptions to this general rule. One exception is if the hit-and-run accident resulted in the death of the victim.
In such cases, the statute of limitations is extended to two years from the date of the victim’s death. This allows family members or representatives of the deceased to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Another exception is if the hit-and-run accident involves a minor. In these situations, the statute of limitations may be tolled, or temporarily suspended, until the minor reaches the age of 18. Once the minor turns 18, they will typically have the same three-year time frame as adults to file a claim.
Failing to file a claim within the specified time frame can result in forfeiting the right to seek compensation. Consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help victims understand their rights and ensure that they meet all necessary deadlines.
Compensation for Hit-and-Run Accidents in Eau Claire
Hit-and-run accidents can cause devastating injuries and emotional trauma, leading to significant financial losses. In Wisconsin, accident victims may be entitled to a variety of types of compensation depending on the circumstances of their case.
The most common types of compensation available for hit-and-run accidents include:
Property damage
Victims may be eligible for compensation for any property damage caused by the accident, such as damage to a vehicle or other personal possessions.
Medical expenses
Accident victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills related to the injury, such as ambulance fees, hospitalization costs, doctor visits, physical therapy sessions, medications, and any other medical treatments or procedures.
Pain and suffering
Victims may also be eligible for damages related to physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident. This includes damages for physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Lost wages
Accident victims may be entitled to compensation for any lost wages resulting from the accident due to missed work. This includes any income that was lost as a result of the injury, as well as any future earnings if the victim is unable to return to work.
Wrongful death
In some cases, a hit-and-run accident may result in the death of the victim. In these cases, family members of the deceased may be eligible for wrongful death damages. This includes compensation for burial or funeral expenses, loss of income and benefits, and other damages related to the victim's death.
Contact Our Experienced Hit-And-Run Accident Attorneys Today
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Eau Claire, it is important to contact our hit-and-run accident attorneys as soon as possible.
At Lein Law, we have decades of experience handling these complex cases and are committed to helping our clients obtain the compensation they deserve. Our attorneys will evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and discuss all available options for recovery.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights and options.
References:
[1] Dot, W. (n.d.). Wisconsin Department of Transportation Drunk driving law. https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/drunk-drv/ddlaw.aspx
[2] Wisconsin Legislature: 893.05. (n.d.). Docs.legis.wisconsin.gov. Retrieved July 17, 2023, from https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/893/i/05
